Are all TPI setups the same?
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Car: 1992 Camaro Z28
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Are all TPI setups the same?
So I've been having trouble with my intake manifold with air leaking from the lower intake manifold and from the runners of the TPI setup. The car has so many air leaks that the RPM's at Idle stay roughly around 2000 rpm. When I spray gum cutter into the seams the engine sucks it up and the rpm's bog. I bought the car last year from someone and he says it's a 93' LT1 motor with the TPI setup. Is this possible? Would it fit? So I bought someone else's tpi setup off of a 305 tpi. The lower manifold doesn't match up and it doesn't fit. So I was wondering are all TPI setups the same or they different?
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
There are quite a few differences between the various TPI intakes. The MAF units don't have the port for the MAP sensor. The MAF '85 - '88 units are set up for a cold start injector. While the '89+ units don't.
The Corvette TPI bases used the original SBC intake manifold bolt pattern (4 center bolts) While the f-body bases changed in either '86 or '87 to the newer bolt angle pattern.
An LT1 engine uses the Vortec intake manifold bolt pattern. To which there are TPI bases available for.
I'm am quite sure that there are other differences. I recall that even the plenum shape changed from time to time.
RBob.
The Corvette TPI bases used the original SBC intake manifold bolt pattern (4 center bolts) While the f-body bases changed in either '86 or '87 to the newer bolt angle pattern.
An LT1 engine uses the Vortec intake manifold bolt pattern. To which there are TPI bases available for.
I'm am quite sure that there are other differences. I recall that even the plenum shape changed from time to time.
RBob.
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Car: 1992 Camaro Z28
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
So best fitting one would be a newer one from after 89'? The one that I bought was from an 86'. Which TPI setups would fit on an LT1?
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
http://www.hotrodlane.cc/PDFFILES/TPIStory.pdf
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ed...FeeDQgodMHkATg
https://sdparts.com/details/scoggin-...-center/sd3816
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Car: 82 Z28
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
Still wouldn't work because while LT1 heads have the Vortec bolt pattern , they still have reg SBC ports that won't match to the tall , thin Vortec ports
If you wanted a TPI on a LT1 ( heavens knows why ) then you just use a TPI base , re-drill the holes to LT1 pattern and plug the dizzy hole at rear
If you wanted a TPI on a LT1 ( heavens knows why ) then you just use a TPI base , re-drill the holes to LT1 pattern and plug the dizzy hole at rear
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
Still wouldn't work because while LT1 heads have the Vortec bolt pattern , they still have reg SBC ports that won't match to the tall , thin Vortec ports
If you wanted a TPI on a LT1 ( heavens knows why ) then you just use a TPI base , re-drill the holes to LT1 pattern and plug the dizzy hole at rear
If you wanted a TPI on a LT1 ( heavens knows why ) then you just use a TPI base , re-drill the holes to LT1 pattern and plug the dizzy hole at rear
Oh to add I just found out that I bought an 86' TPI setup from someone and ended up wasting my money I guess because I guess there was no chance of that fitting.
Last edited by Nyczbubba; 05-04-2013 at 06:24 PM.
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Car: 82 Z28
Engine: 383 SP EFI/ 4150 TB
Transmission: T400
Axle/Gears: QP 9" 3.73
Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
Where does the top water hose from the radiator go to?
The water pump or the intake manifold ?
If as we suspect you have a NON LT1 engine then it should work fine
The water pump or the intake manifold ?
If as we suspect you have a NON LT1 engine then it should work fine
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
The 86' tpi doesn't fit on the 89-92 I heard is this true?
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
Ok just spoke to my mechanic, he said the center bolts don't line up. Would I be able to drill into the manifold so that it will be able to bolt on? So again I'll explain that I am trying to run the 86' tpi setup on the 92. I can use the same plenum even though that the MAF uses the cold start injector??
Last edited by Nyczbubba; 05-04-2013 at 09:08 PM.
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Car: 82 Z28
Engine: 383 SP EFI/ 4150 TB
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
Get a better mechanic ;or at least one that can think a bit
The bolt angle is different;
you just file out those 4 center holes on the base a little until the bolt fits and maybe use a washer under those 4 bolts
Some aftermarket intakes come with those 4 holes elongated so the one intake will fit both early or late heads
You only swap over the base and reuse all your other existing parts
Your late year runners will seal the cold start injector hole in the early base anyway
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
Yeah the center bolts are not matching up. So I wouldn't have any issues mounting and running an 86 tpi setup that has the different MAF. Just drill into the manifold and mount?
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
yes just elongate the 4 inner holes and you can use the earlier intake. all the rh runners are the same for tpi but the lh is specific to the plenum 85-88 have a tube for the egr passage on the lh runner. If your lh runner has the spot for the csi but your rail does not have the ninth injector buy a block off kit and check the plenum for the egr hole you can tap and make a npt plug fit so you will not have a vacuum leak or use a expansion plug.
if you have a maf equipt car you will ned to be running a 89 tpi calibration to aid with cold starting. with out pictures of your parts its hard to say what your dealing with.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Camaro-Firebird-TPI-Cold-Start-9th-Injector-Block-Off-Delete-Kit-/380623518915?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item589eedfcc3&vxp=mtr
if you have a maf equipt car you will ned to be running a 89 tpi calibration to aid with cold starting. with out pictures of your parts its hard to say what your dealing with.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Camaro-Firebird-TPI-Cold-Start-9th-Injector-Block-Off-Delete-Kit-/380623518915?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item589eedfcc3&vxp=mtr
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Car: 82 Z28
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
You say you already have a working TPI setup ;
why would you not only swap out the problem causing part ( the base ) and then reinstall the rest of your existing TPI setup ?
No need for changes to anything
You have not stated WHAT TPI setup is your car.
Was the car originally a TPI car or a TBI car ?
Just because it is a 92 , if it was swapped to TPI ,nothing to say someone has not installed the earlier MAF TPI setup instead of a MAP TPI that the 90 -92 came from the factory with
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Car: 1992 Camaro Z28
Engine: 5.7L TPI
Transmission: 5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.47
Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
You say you already have a working TPI setup ;
why would you not only swap out the problem causing part ( the base ) and then reinstall the rest of your existing TPI setup ?
No need for changes to anything
You have not stated WHAT TPI setup is your car.
Was the car originally a TPI car or a TBI car ?
Just because it is a 92 , if it was swapped to TPI ,nothing to say someone has not installed the earlier MAF TPI setup instead of a MAP TPI that the 90 -92 came from the factory with
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
It leaks from the lower intake manifold and the upper plenum. The tpi setup is currently a 92 tpi setup. Originally it was a TPI and still is a tpi. I just am trying to get the car to run smoothly. Also currently has SLP runners on it too. I rather just change everything because air leaks are coming from everywhere.
I will say if you have org injs, icm or anything like that, they could be going bad. Test those things..
Last edited by TTOP350; 05-05-2013 at 08:31 PM.
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Car: 1992 Camaro Z28
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
*UPDATE* Ok so I found out that the intake manifold that was installed is an aftermarket intake manifold (Edelbrock) and running SLP runners. The gasket that was put on was for a stock gasket. Is it possible that the Edelbrock manifold doesn't seal up right for some reason, or maybe warped? New gaskets and cleaned the surface and still leaks. Please bare with me as much as possible. I will get as much info as I can. Thanks for all the help everyone providing me.
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
Attatched is the only pic I have the motor right now. I hope this helps.
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
Where are the vac leaks at now; where the runners connect or where the base connects to the engine?
Did you consider putting a straight edge across the base surface and either end of the runners while you had it all apart to confirm they are straight?
Did you consider putting a straight edge across the base surface and either end of the runners while you had it all apart to confirm they are straight?
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
Well? I would like to have know the outcome of this. Currently my Scoggin Dickies intake manifold has a massive vacuum leak. I used the Vortec heads gasket, proper torquing, etc. Really don't think it is human error on my end, won't know for sure until I take the top end off and find out, lol. Are SD intakes notorious for needing machining done right out of the box?
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
No, they can sure use a little help performance wise, but as for fit and finish I don't think many people have had any issues. Are you sure you have the proper runner gaskets on the proper side? You can get 'em backwards and sometimes have big leaks. ...it may only be with certain runners and certain gaskets, etc. etc., but there's a thread on here somewhere showing pictures. I think it's the 9th injector hole on the driver side. Regardless...check the EASY parts first before taking the whole manifold off.
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
No, they can sure use a little help performance wise, but as for fit and finish I don't think many people have had any issues. Are you sure you have the proper runner gaskets on the proper side? You can get 'em backwards and sometimes have big leaks. ...it may only be with certain runners and certain gaskets, etc. etc., but there's a thread on here somewhere showing pictures. I think it's the 9th injector hole on the driver side. Regardless...check the EASY parts first before taking the whole manifold off.
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
It's like one massive leak coming out from the drivers side of the entire length of the manifold. Just on the one side, and seeping through into the valve cover and also running off into the rear valley. Idk, that's whats got me thinkin' the manifold might need to be machined? The heads aren't shaved.. I can't imagine I'd make a blunder like that, but ya never know. Only vacuum leak on the motor.
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
It's like one massive leak coming out from the drivers side of the entire length of the manifold. Just on the one side, and seeping through into the valve cover and also running off into the rear valley. Idk, that's whats got me thinkin' the manifold might need to be machined? The heads aren't shaved.. I can't imagine I'd make a blunder like that, but ya never know. Only vacuum leak on the motor.
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
It was the intake. It wasn't exactly flat, had to mill it by 0.000nothing, lol. Can’t recall all the details. Wasn’t a huge deal, or at least my guy didn’t make one out of it. It’s a common problem with that manifold from what I’ve read.. and I paid $500 for that damn thing like 6 years ago! Car came out bad ***, it was fun. If I had to do it all over again I would’ve waited and found Holly stealth ram (whatever it’s called) they quit making. Not just because of that 1 of many little issues.. simply for the horse power!
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
It was the intake. It wasn't exactly flat, had to mill it by 0.000nothing, lol. Can’t recall all the details. Wasn’t a huge deal, or at least my guy didn’t make one out of it. It’s a common problem with that manifold from what I’ve read.. and I paid $500 for that damn thing like 6 years ago! Car came out bad ***, it was fun. If I had to do it all over again I would’ve waited and found Holly stealth ram (whatever it’s called) they quit making. Not just because of that 1 of many little issues.. simply for the horse power!
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Re: Are all TPI setups the same?
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